It seemed more like the Fourth of July when Hannibalians were waiting for the Hannibal Jaycees’ Christmas parade, as they lined Broadway and North Main Street on Saturday, Dec. 1.

The main difference was the time, 6 p.m., which meant the floats and vehicles in the parade required colorful lights.

The temperature was a balmy 62 degrees at 6:30 p.m., when the beginning of the parade arrived at Main and Broadway.

The patiently-waiting crowd was filled with lively children - some in short sleeves - enjoying the summer-like weather. Later they were rewarded by greetings from Santa Claus and by receiving pieces of candy from the people walking the parade route.

The parade, as usual, was formed at Grand Avenue to begin its route down Broadway. The one-hour parade featured floats with the manger scene, costumed walkers, and visits with Santa Claus. They were accompanied by decorated business vehicles, convertibles bearing queens and small groups of young people who just wanted to be in the parade.

Parade participants donated toys, which will be distributed for Christmas by Douglass Community Services. The Hannibal Parks and Recreation Department is working with DCS and the Jaycees in this “Toys for Tots” campaign. Mary Lynn Richards of the Parks and Recreation Department explained all the toys collected will go to local children.